Considering a new addition to the family. What is the best book/video that i can purchase. Iwould like to get started reading before i get the new pup. ? are there rules about the time of year one should purchase a new pup???? Iam considering
geting one in march but that is subject to change. What are the major dos and don'ts? I just want to be prepared when i get it, so feel free to add your to cents.

shootem

01-05-2004, 07:44 AM

Lets start with training books first. Two of the best on the market today are The Ten Minute Retriever by John and Amy Dahl. Evan Graham has 3 books on the market that are a must for retriever training. They are Smartworks books 1 and 2 and Smart Fetch.
http://www.rushcreekpress.com/pages/899088/index.htm
http://oakhillkennel.com/library/ten_minute.html
Picking a good puppy takes a lot of homework and you really need to be informed about what is a good breeding and what to look for in a reputable breeder. First the sire and dam must have their hips and elbows certified to be clear of any genetic defects. Their eyes must be checked and certified. I always look for both the sire and dam to be titled. A lot of people will buy a puppy out of a titled sire and forget the dam, the dam contributes as much or more to the puppy as the sire so look for working titled parents. I also want the sire to be proven as a sire, meaning has he himself produced titled hunting dog or field trail dogs. Their are some great male dogs being breed that have produced nothing.
One thing I do is never buy a puppy out of a first time female, main reason being I want to contact owners of previous litters to see how the puppies worked out. I will probably think of more later and I know others here can add much more to help you. This is a great site to look for your new puppy.
http://www.working-retriever.com/ads/puplab.html

fastlanelabs

01-05-2004, 10:41 AM

Another video tape that focuses on the 7 week to 6 month timeframe is Jackie Mertens, Sound Beginnings. It's a great beginner tape that will get you working with your future little one.

http://www.puppyvideo.com/

You'd also get the pleasure of seeing my big butt in it with my dawg when shelby was a pup.

duckhunterKS

01-05-2004, 01:53 PM

I would definitely recommend Retriever Training: A Back To Basics Approach by Robert Milner

Great info on all aspects of raising a puppy to be a great companion as well as a great retriever.

I asked the same question you did two years ago and got a host of books. I read 5 different ones and Milner by far has the best approach in my opinion.

Lots of luck!!

soto11

01-05-2004, 03:04 PM

HAVE FUN WITH YOUR NEW PUP:TT:

motherplucker

01-05-2004, 08:59 PM

GOOD LUCK:cool:

goose69

01-06-2004, 06:55 PM

thanks for all the info

Sky Scraper

01-12-2004, 02:20 PM

Congrats on your new pup.
I went through this same experience a year ago.
I was referred to "Training your retriever" by James Lamb Free.
It is an older book (before e-collars) but I found the basics easy to understand and apply with my pup, when to make progressions, when to reward and discipline etc...
I also had quite alot of help by from a guy who has trained several dogs - you can only learn so much be reading - i would recommend that you get some guidance from a seasoned veteran as well.
Best of luck
Sky Scraper

rustygunner

01-12-2004, 04:01 PM

These guys know what they are talking about, listen good! I have been using the 10 minute retieiver, great book for beginner trainers, also if you have a trainer that you know in your area , and if you get stuck on something training give him a call, or stop in , these guys can help you out.